College/Major: College of Natural Resources/Restoration Ecology 

Biography: I am a senior studying Restoration Ecology here at CSU. I am involved in research studying giant sequoias and how they might be impacted by bark beetles. I am from Fort Collins but spent nearly ten years living in Northern California and Oregon, where I enjoyed collecting agates on the beach, living off-grid, exploring old growth forests, and obsessing over coastal redwoods. 

Research Experience: Data collection in the field and lab, grinding foliage and phloem, weighing samples, field observations, and plant ID. 

Campus Involvement: OURA Ambassador, MMRAD, WCNR Student Technology Committee, Society for Ecological Restoration. 

Post-graduation Plans: Hopefully studying giant sequoias or coastal redwoods and being involved in restoration work. 

Favorite Part of Research: I am beyond grateful and appreciative to be studying not only one of the most charismatic trees but also the largest. I never could’ve imagined that I would be researching something that I truly love! 

Advice for Students Interested in Getting Involved in Research: Be persistent, take the time to connect with students and faculty, do the work to identify labs and research opportunities that you can see yourself being involved with, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get replies from faculty or successfully land a position immediately. Send follow-up emails a week after your initial outreach. Don’t be afraid to visit the office of faculty or grad students. Display that you want to be involved without coming off as desperate. Make sure that you communicate your interests, passions, and aptitude for research. I didn’t have previous lab experience, and you don’t have to either.